Look for these guys to stand out as their teams’ fates fall into place in the 2010 Southeastern Conference Tournament.

1. John Wall, G
Freshman, Kentucky
The near-consensus No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft has lived up to expectations, leading his Wildcats to a near certain top seed in the NCAA Tournament. His freakish speed and athleticism, combined with a natural feel for the game, have dazzled crowds all season long. While this tournament may not hold the same implications for Kentucky as it does for other teams, look for Wall to shine in preparation for the Big Dance.

2. Devan Downey, G
Senior, South Carolina
At 5 feet 9 inches and 170 pounds, Downey does not scare many opponents with his size, but his game is scary good. Downey leads the Southeastern Conference with 22.5 points and 2.8 steals per game, and at times he has willed his team to victory. He netted 30 points in an upset of then-undefeated Kentucky, a huge bright spot in an otherwise disappointing SEC campaign for the Gamecocks. Downey will be playing his final SEC Tournament with nothing to lose and the confidence to carry his team against anyone.

3. Jarvis Varnado, F
Senior, Mississippi State
The Division I all-time blocked shots leader patrols the paint with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and will look to lead his team to an SEC title. Along with leading the SEC with 4.93 blocks per game, Varnado also leads the league with 10.9 rebounds and is a weapon on offense with 13.5 points per game. A near-certain lock for his third consecutive SEC Defensive Player of the Year honor, Varnado’s presence alone forces teams to alter their offensive game plans. With their lethal shot swatter striking fear into opponents, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State are a dark horse to win the tournament.

4. DeMarcus Cousins, C
Freshman, Kentucky
The 6-foot-11-inch, 270-pound man-child from Mobile, Ala., is the perfect complement to fellow freshman teammate Wall. “Boogie,” as he is affectionately called, uses shear strength to dominate the paint for the Wildcats. He is a fierce competitor who plays with instinctive passion, as is reflected in his conference-leading 4.5 offensive rebounds per game. With 16.3 and 10.2 points and rebounds per game, respectively, Cousins is a double-double machine who will cause his opponents headaches in the tournament.

5. Jermaine Beal, G
Senior, Vanderbilt
While Beal does not put up eye-popping stats, his leadership and intangibles are invaluable. The veteran point guard is the undisputed leader for a Commodore squad that is focused on winning the tournament just a couple miles from their campus. Despite playing the role of team facilitator, Beal still leads his team with 14.6 points per game. Time and again, “Dolla” Beal carries his team in the closing moments, taking care of the ball and sinking clutch shots. Beal will be licking his chops at a potential third shot at Kentucky, the lone team in the SEC his Commodores have yet to beat.